"Traversing the knife-edge of Yosemite's Matthes Crest felt like walking a tightrope. From the 10,918-foot (3,328-meter) northern summit, the highest point along the ridge, I had a 40-mile (64-kilometer) view of the park's phenomenal backcountry. Even though some parts of the climb were intensely exposed, it was incredible to gain access to this spectacular wilderness."

Misha Logvinov, 29A Moscow native with a photographer's eye, reader Logvinov grew up hiking the Caucasus Mountains. Now working in finance in Silicon Valley, the trad climber puts some 20,000 miles (32,187 kilometers) on his car each climbing season in his quest to experience the West Coast's greatest ranges. So far he's tackled 13 of California's 15 fourteeners. Where next? Alaska's Arrigetch Peaks.

Photograph by Misha Logvinov

Pick up the May 2006 issue for 38 amazing family escapes, wild beaches, and cool festivals, Sebastian Junger's lessons from the road, and the best bikes for summer.